The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1887-03-05
Farmer Green's LOdgers.
BY w. G.. PATTEN.

BY w. G. PATTEN.
Farmer Green had just finished milk
ing his COWS when handsome top
buggy drew up to the door.
Setting down the milk pals in the
barn-door, the farmer fastened to greet
the rather clerical looking person who
sat in the carriage.
'How de dew said the farmer, with
a respectful bow.
Good evening, retorted the stranger
in slow, measured tone. Il would like
to ask how far it is to Shirley?'
Nigh on tew thirty mile,' answered
the farmer.
$50 far? l must reach there by to-
morrow night, in order to fill my en-
gagement there on the Sabbath.
Are yew minister?' asked Farmer
Green.
Yes, am one of the Lords servants.
have an appointment in Shirley for
the next Lords Day. But I can 60 lit
tie further tonight. Do you know of
a place where l can rest to-night2'
'It's four mile tew the next house,
an the folks there are mighty onrelig-
ious. If you could put up with our ac-
commedations, yew might stop heer.'
MAY the Lord abundantly reward
you for your kindness. Twill gratefully
accept your Offer
Drive rite round heer, an we'll put
the hoss in the barn. Meeriah,' he
called to his daughter, who was slyly
peering out of a window, tell your
marin we've got company tew supper.
'Meeriah' disappeared to execute this
order, and the farmer, followed by the
stranger, walked round to the barn door.
Seems tew me yew've got er alfred
slick piece of horse flesh heer, remarked
the farmer, as they removed the little
chestnut horse from the thills.
'Yes, bless the Lord, he is good lit
- horse, replied the stranger.
'Pritty well winded though. You
must have druv alfred hard
only the last mile or two,' said the
stranger, hastily. 'He is good horse,
but MS Wlnd is poor.
After they had taken care of the horse,
the stranger carefully drew his wagon
behind the farmers wood-pile, where it
could not be seen from the road. Then
he followed the farmer into the house.
The farmers wife had prepared a
tempting supper, and the strangers eyes
glowed as he observed the table.
This is Elder Goodman, marm, said
the farmer, introducing the stranger by
the name he had given.
He is goin' over ter Shirley ter fill
an appointment fer Sunday
After the stranger had bowed to the
farmers wife and daughter, he asked
for place to wash away the dust stains
of travel.
A few moments later they sat down
to the supper-table in Farmer Green's
large, old-fashioned kitchen,
In solemn tones the stranger asked
the Lord to bless the food before them,
to bless the kind farmer, and his wife
and daughter.
During the entire meal Elder Good
man talked of the goodness of the Lord.
The farmers family listened in respect
full silence, save when they occasionally
attested to the truth of the strangers
words.
That evening the stranger read several
passages from the Bible, and explained
them in fluent manner. He uttered
short prayer, and said he wished to
retire early, as he desired to rise at an
early hour, and start on his journey.
'Yew needn't be in hurry bout
startin' early said the farmer. 'I'll
bet a squash that eer little hose won't
be long in kiverin' thirty mile
But wish to travel in the cooler
par: of the day. explained his guest.
Elder Goodman was just bidding the
family good night when a horseman
drew up at the door. The farmer has
tened out to learn who this new conner
was and what he wanted.
One of the kitchen windows was open,
and through this came the voices of the
farmer and the horseman in conversa-
| tion. Elder Goodman listened intently
fora moment, then bidding the farmers
wife and daughter goodnight, took the
candle that was offered him and retired.
A short time later the farmer entered
the room, followed by rough-looking
stranger.
'Heers er nuther man that wants tew
stop all nite,' said Farmer Green.
You'll hev tew git i'm sum supper,
nnrm.'
| The farmers wife did not like the
appearance Of the new conner, and it
WIS with i'll grace that she prepared to
obey her husbands command.
While she was placing the food upon
the table, the farmer tried to draw the
stlanger out in conversation. But, the
latter had taken a seat in a corner and
seemed very reticent about speaking.
Unanswered the farmers questions very
shGtly.
When his supper was ready he sat
down to the table without washing his
factor hands, and he ate with almost
greedy avidity. AS soon as he finished,
he .gnifed desire to retire.
Few will hev tew sleep in this old
rool, said Farmer Green, as he show
ed lin his bed. sAnother feller has the
Spae room.'
he stranger said it was good enough,
andthe farmer left him.
s,don't like the looks ov that chap,
decared the farmer to his wife.
'Ior T. she answered. Hes got an
awhl mean-lookin' face. I'll bet he's
sun rascal. P'r'aps he's robber!
| Meeriah' gave little scream, and
thefarmer said: